Systems Engineer
About Us
Harmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.
Our work is guided by clear values: building technologies with real-world impact, pursuing excellence in everything we do, setting ambitious goals, and taking on the hardest technical challenges. We operate in a demanding environment where rigor, ownership, and execution are expected.
About the Role
As Systems Engineer, you will own the end-to-end architecture of our C2 and autonomous mission systems — ensuring that hardware, software, AI/ML, and operator workflows integrate into a cohesive, deployable platform.
We are looking for a hands-on technical systems thinker who has built and shipped real products and understands how complex subsystems behave in practice.
Your mandate: ensure the platform works reliably in real-world operational environments — from architectural definition through integration, validation, and deployment.
Responsibilities
System Architecture & Technical Design
Define end-to-end system architecture, major components, and data flows
Identify hardware constraints (compute, sensors, accelerators, OS) and their impact on system performance
Evaluate architectural trade-offs (processing distribution, module frequency, process separation, etc.)
Produce clear interface definitions and integration plans
Product Integration & Delivery
Lead integration across hardware, software, AI/ML, and operator interfaces
Drive systems from development through validation and production readiness
Participate in architecture reviews and provide pragmatic technical judgment
Validation & Field Performance
Develop simulation and field test plans
Diagnose system-level performance gaps and propose corrective actions
Incorporate operator feedback into system evolution
Candidate Requirements
5–10 years building and shipping complex technical products (defense, aerospace, robotics, autonomy)
Hands-on experience integrating hardware and software subsystems
Strong technical culture across:
Compute platforms (GPU / NPU familiarity)
Embedded or mission-critical systems
Real-time or near real-time architectures
Experience taking systems from development to production or field deployment
Candidate Nice-to-Have
GNC or flight control background
UAV / robotics / ISR systems experience
C2 or mission systems exposure
Location and Commitments
Contract Type: Full-time / Permanent
Work Schedule: Arlington, Virginia / On-site
Compensation: $140K-$175K + equity + benefits
We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.
